Work
Austin, Texas, United States
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) accommodates a city that has experienced explosive growth rate since the start of the millennium with no slowdown in sight. The airport opened to the public in 1999 and the Page-co-designed Barbara Jordan Terminal saw approximately 6.6 million passengers in 2000. By 2014, Page had completed a terminal expansion focused on enhancing the passenger experience with expanded existing passenger processing capabilities for security screening, ticketing, customs, and baggage handling.
In 2019, more than 17 million passengers visited the airport. This was both an increase of 9.6% over the previous record year of 2018 and a 162% increase since it opened. Per the Federal Aviation Administration, AUS is poised to jump from near the top of the medium hub airport category into the large hub category. Page has since returned to work on the airport yet again to consult on the 2040 Master Plan for the “airport of the future”.
The Barbara Jordan Passenger Terminal reflects the city’s unique character, culture and heritage through its openness, its use of local materials and iconography and its relaxed, informal social character. Locally branded restaurants and live music venues inside the terminal also help to create a uniquely “Austin” experience.
The 680,000-square-foot, crescent-shaped terminal organization is simple and direct, providing easy orientation to the passenger and public. Walking distances from curbside to gates are minimized, while maximizing visibility of the large central marketplace adjacent to the gate areas. From this central space, the building opens out onto the apron, planes and runways under the Texas sky.
Passengers often notice – and comment on – the soaring aesthetic of the hall’s high roof. It is supported by an elegantly designed, “two-way” roof system with beams sized according to the moment diagram of forces that they support. These loads are carried by a perimeter ring of fin-shaped column elements around the perimeter, that double as vertical shading from low sun angles.
The hall serves as a circulation hub and an orientation device that draws passengers in from drop-off and ticketing areas and directs them out to gates. It expands in the center to accommodate 10 lanes of screening devices and tapers at either end to funnel traffic. Colored glass redirects passengers who may be disoriented after passing through security.
Passengers also need amenities such as restaurants, which are a significant part of the airport experience, and also an important source of revenue. In 2017 ABIA passengers ate 61.5 tons of brisket alone, washing down at least some of that with 18,300 bottles of Shiner Bock.
Additionally, according to Travel + Leisure Magazine which has consistently ranked AUS in its Top Ten Best Airports since 2013, airport amenities can influence travel decisions. The publication cites elements that are considered in its rankings such as passenger processing, restaurants and bars, shopping and design.
Sustainable design concepts were employed throughout the terminal. Low energy insulating glass was used throughout the exterior envelope, and fritted glass was used at strategically determined areas to eliminate glare and to further lower heat gain into the facility. Passive energy shading devices were incorporated throughout the southern façade, such as three-foot deep vertical blades work with horizontal articulation and variable frit patterns to soften the sunlight and reduce heat gain.
Two towers at the east end of the upstairs concourse house specialized TSA spaces. Topped with light boxes, the towers act as beacons and wayfinding devices in the large space.
Clad in locally-sourced limestone panels, the towers incorporate a sophisticated mural depicting the topography of Austin and nearby Hill County, which were digitally-fabricated using a 5-axis mill.
“The response to the new spaces and operations has been overwhelmingly positive and has enhanced the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Terminal Building with a design which will also influence the continued growth and additions to the airport. ”
